Railroad tag help?

[Brian in MA]

Still can't detect around here due to the flippin' weather. So, I have been going through all my coffee cans full of 'stuff' and trying to organize all my relics.

I came across several railroad box check tags from the Fitchburg Rail Road and Maine Central. Can any of you help with ID on these tags. Or, does anyone know of a website that may help me to determine exactly what I have?

Here are some pics.... Notice that the third pic has a star under the claim number. Any idea what this signifies?

Thanks for any help you can provide...

Brian in MA

 

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[PBK]

You should find some helpful information at Tag Town:

http://www.tagtown.net/

 

[Mackaydon]

Adding to PBK's:
John Robbins started making baggage checks between 1841 and 1843. Robbins was first located in Boston and in later years (1920?) moved operations to Attleboro, Massachusetts. More about Robbins can be found here:
http://www.tagtown.net/robbins.html

 

[Mackaydon]

Here's an article that ties the Fitchburg Railroad (and its history) to Lake Walden--of Walden Pond fame, apparently. It adds this about claim checks (tags): A checking system was invented to keep track of luggage being transported on the trains. Metal disks or checks were placed on each item and a duplicate given to the passenger. At the final destination, the check was presented to claim the luggage.
http://www.cyberbee.com/henryhikes/fitchburgrr.html

 

[Brian in MA]

Thanks for the links PBK & Mackaydon....

I've e-mailed the Tagtown site but have not received a reply yet. I can't seem to find another example of any of the tags I have anywhere on the internet. But, through the links you provided I now know that they were used as luggage/box checks for the Lake Walden stop of the Fitchburg Railroad. The train stop was located on the West shore of Walden Pond and was in use until around 1900.


Thanks again for the help !!!

Brian in MA

 

[Mackaydon]

Brian:
BTW, a Maine Central Railroad - Brass Baggage Tag sold in December for $66.50.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Maine-Central-R...ssPageNameZRSS:B:SRCH:US:101#ebayphotohosting